Masters 2026 Tee Times: When First Round Begins Thursday

Masters 2026 Tee Times: When First Round Begins Thursday...

The 2026 Masters Tournament begins Thursday morning at Augusta National Golf Club, with tee times starting at 8:00 AM ET. Golf fans across the U.S. are searching for start times as the year's first major championship kicks off under clear Georgia skies.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler headlines the field, teeing off at 10:42 AM ET alongside Rory McIlroy and rising star Tom Kim. Tiger Woods begins his quest for a sixth green jacket at 1:24 PM ET, drawing particular interest from viewers.

ESPN will broadcast early round coverage from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM ET Thursday and Friday, while featured group coverage begins at 8:15 AM ET on Masters.com. The tournament's limited broadcast windows have increased demand for precise scheduling information.

Augusta National's traditional gate openings at 8:00 AM will see patrons lining up hours early to secure prime viewing spots. Online searches for "Masters start time" have spiked 420% this week according to Google Trends data, reflecting strong national interest.

Weather forecasts show ideal conditions for Thursday's opening round, with temperatures reaching 72°F and light winds. The dry conditions could lead to lower scores on Augusta's famously fast greens.

Tournament officials confirmed all players will use the new Model Local Rule golf ball designed to reduce distance. This equipment change adds intrigue to how the course will play compared to previous years.

Corporate hospitality tents began welcoming guests Wednesday afternoon, with many executives adjusting work schedules to attend the prestigious event. Secondary ticket prices remain above $2,500 for Thursday grounds passes.

The Masters app has seen record downloads this week as fans prepare to follow the action. Its live scoring and video features provide real-time updates for those unable to watch the limited television coverage.